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Published: August 7th 2007
Heli/Hike
Walking in the CloudsWe reunited with our Kiwi friends, YAY! and traveled the west coast, including various walks, tourists stops, and a hilarious costume party (we had to be a cartoon character who's name began with the first letter in our first name, also we had to use garbage bags in our costume) - A really zany and fun night.
Next day we arrived in Franz Josef village, nestled in the Westland National Park, passing many kettle lakes along the way, these deep lakes were created as glaciers retreated and the ice melted. Franz Joseph village- ahhhh - staggering mountains on all sides, "The Glacier" in sight, and lush rainforest all around. I splurged at the RainForest Retreat and got us accommodations in a little log cabin cottage tucked in the trees - deck, heated bed - lap of luxury! On the third day, finally weather permitted us to take our long awaited helicopter ride to the terminal face of the glacier. The helicopter ride was wild! zooming up and in and around the mountain, also providing spectacular views of the ice and Alps. After arriving, we put special "crampons" on our boots (spiked for traction) and proceeded to explore the upper part
of the glacier through caves and crevasses. Our guide used a pick axe to carve out some of the path. It was breathtaking! often like walking in the clouds! A real sense of achievement from this trip and a sense of just being on top of the world.
Rachelle and I agree - our expectations have been surpassed. Wow!
We are currently in Te Anau, a small town next to a crater lake and staying at a comparably tame backpacker hostel. We have just taken a side trip yesterday and a boat cruise around the scenic and stunning Milford Sound - the cruise took us all around the Sound, craggy mountains peaks on all sides and waterfalls at every turn. I just can't express enough how BEAUTIFUL the South Island is! I know in my heart that this is a place I will return. We stayed the night here, had a peaceful day, and will be headed back to Queenstown. . .
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Deb
non-member comment
Keeping Busy
You gals are really keeping yourselves busy! You'll need to rest up FROM YOUR VACATION when you return home. (Heh-heh.) Your adventures all sound so wonderful (some sound kind of scary to me...like spelunking in the caves). Thank you for sharing them with us via this blog site. It has been such fun to tune in. I don't know exactly when you are coming home, but I would imagine that you will be departing shortly and that you'll be sad to leave. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we are all doing well; except we miss you. Squeakers and Bunken are getting pretty bold (and assertive) these days...they don't hide anymore, and they hold their own with the other cats. We are doing taxes. Chris Spooner is coming to stay with us weekend after this...we are hoping to have the taxes done by the time he gets here (they're due on Monday, April 16...hint, hint). If we don't hear from you again before you return, have a safe trip home. Love you, Deb